Minutes 06-22-98
MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
ON MONDAY, JUNE 28, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Betty Thomas, Chairperson John Wildner, Parks Director
Mike Fitzpatrick (arrived late) Melody Green, Recreation Director
James R. McMahon
Tom Williams
Dan Winters, Alternate
ABSENT
Bruce R. Black
Ed Harris
Bali Ramnarace
Victor Norfus, Alternate
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Chairperson Thomas introduced the Members to the Recording Secretary. A quorum
was not present
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 18, 1998 MEETING
Due to a lack of a quorum, the Minutes of the May 18, 1998 Meeting and Agenda could
not be approved at this point.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Hester/Palmetto Greens Park Expansion Status
(John Wildner)
Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Wildner to give an update on the Hester/Palmetto
Greens Park Expansion. Mr. Wildner stated that both projects are proceeding well and
are fairly well completed. All that remains are some landscaping, and a dedication
ceremony is scheduled at the Park on Saturday, August 1, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. Mr.
Wildner stated that the football field at Hester still has some minor items that need to be
completed.
MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
Mr. Fitzpatrick joined the meeting and a quorum was declared present. Chairperson
Thomas asked Mr. Fitzpatrick for an update on Kids Kingdom.
B. Kids Kingdom
(Mike Fitzpatrick)
Mr. Fitzpatrick suggested that it was time for Kids Kingdom to be resealed and sanded
and should be done sometime in the fall in order that more volunteers would be
available. Also, the weather is cooler at that time of year.
Mr. Winters suggested that this could be done on the weekend before Halloween, since
Halloween is a busy weekend. Mr. Fitzpatrick suggested that this work could be done
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either Saturday, October 17 or Saturday, October 24. After discussion it was
determined that October 17, 1998 was the best date.
Motion
Mr. Fitzpatrick moved that the Kids Kingdom be resealed and sanded on Saturday,
October 17, 1998.
Motion seconded by Mr. Winters. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Wildner stated that the cost of the sealant was included in the Parks’ budget with
the work to be performed by a contractor, although Mr. Wildner was certain that the City
Manager would not mind if volunteers performed the work.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that he has nine belt sanders that are still operational, but rotary
sanders will be necessary for the hard to reach places. Mr. Wildner said he would
check on this item and will report back to the Board at next month’s meeting.
Ms. Green suggested sending out a media release seeking volunteers for this project.
Chairperson Thomas inquired if lunch would be furnished. Mr. Fitzpatrick felt that
furnishing lunch would be a good idea since the project would probably take all day. Ms
Green stated that some arrangements for serving lunch could be made.
C. Hester Center Grand Opening
(Previously discussed in item A, above)
D. Customer Service and Special Events Improvements:
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
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Registration Site Relocation June 22
(Melody Green)
Ms. Green stated that the Program Registration Site of the Recreation Division has
moved to the Art Center. Ms. Green commended Ms. Kathy McDeavitt, as the team
leader, for the smooth transition from City Hall to the Art Center, which was a major
effort. Also, Ms. Green commended the City’s Facilities Department for their assistance
that included the necessity of installing an additional door in the Art Center to make the
area more efficient. Ms. McDeavitt is now the newest member of the special event
team, and that Ms. McDeavitt’s primary responsibilities are special events.
Ms. Green stated that the size of the G.A.L.A. is being expanded, as well as the size
and scope of Black Awareness Day. The City is also considering hiring a person solely
for the purpose of generating sponsorships for the special events, which could mean
thousands of dollars in sponsorships from major corporate sponsors as opposed to
sponsorships by smaller businesses.
Ms. Green also stated that the move also was an accommodation since most programs
are held at the Art Center and the Civic Center and this move makes registration a lot
easier.
MINUTES APPROVAL
Chairperson Thomas asked that the Board vote on approving the minutes of the May
18, 1998 meeting, since a quorum was now present.
Motion
Mr. Winters moved that the Minutes of the May 18, 1998 meeting be approved. Motion
seconded by Mr. McMahon
Chairperson Thomas asked if there were any additions or deletions to the Minutes.
Mr. Fitzpatrick suggested that on Page 3, first line, of the minutes be changed by
inserting the word “north” after the words “railroad tracks” and deleting the words “on”
and inserting the word “of”, so that the phrase would read
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“John Wildner responded that it was west of the railroad tracks north of S.E. 23
Avenue”.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
Chairperson Thomas suggested that on Page 2, Item B. the word “spoke” should be
changed to “spoken”.
Chairperson Thomas suggested that on Page 3, item F. the word “asked” be inserted
between the words “Bruce Black” and “if”, so that the sentence would read
“Bruce Black asked if the City was still considering buying the Bay Club?”
Chairperson Thomas stated that on Page 8, Paragraph V. “NEXT MEETING”, the date
is incorrect. The correct date is “JUNE 22, 1998”.
There being no further corrections, the minutes were approved as amended. Motion
unanimously carried.
E. Hester Center Increased Security
(Melody Green)
Ms. Green stated that she and Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the City Manager, met with
Police Chief Gage last week. Prior to that meeting, there was a meeting held with Tarrell
Shiskin, Steve Hopkins, Major Brown and Chief Gage on the increased security at the
Hester Center. The vandalism problem, theft and break ins of vehicles parked at the
Center were discussed and the statistics indicate that this is a major problem. As a
temporary solution, Chief Gage stated he would have the Community Service Officers
based at the Hester Center. However, when a call is received, the Officer will have to
leave the Center. This move will take effect this week. Hopefully, over the next few
months the crime statistics will greatly drop as a result of this action.
Also, when the Community Service Officer has to leave the Center, they will check in
with the dispatcher. After several months this will be looked at carefully. Also, Ms.
Green stated that there is money in the budget to hire a security guard. However, Chief
Gage suggested that if having the Community Service Officer at the Hester Center
greatly decreases the incidence of thefts and break ins and a security officer might not
be necessary. This will be reviewed in a few months. Ms. Green stated that the Police
Chief has been very cooperative and expressed her appreciation for his quick response
to the situation.
Mr. Winters inquired if the Community Service Officer would be based at the Hester
Center on a 24-hour basis. Ms. Green said there are three Community Service Officers,
but does not have the information on what shifts they will be working at the Hester
Center. Ms. Green said she should be receiving that information this week from Chief
Gage.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
Also, Ms. Green stated that she included in the budget a rolling electronic security gate
for the front of the Center and this can be electronically disengaged by police dispatch to
gain access during their patrols.
Ms. Green said she has requested that the breezeway area be completely enclosed. By
doing this, it will provide additional space and will eliminate youth from climbing up the
trellis on the side of the building in order to reach the roof for the purpose of vandalizing
the building. Also, the roll down gates in the breezeway area have been replaced at a
great expense. The entrance will be a double door opening, which will allow for one main
access to the building and a circular information desk will be provided in the area as
soon as one enters the breezeway. Staff will be situated in that area to direct persons
entering the Center.
The police department is also looking at additional security measures that could be
employed at the Center and Chief Gage is working on this issue as well.
Mr. Williams stated that one of the Stairmasters was not working in the exercise room.
Also, Mr. Williams inquired if the children were being fed at the Wilson Center and if the
refrigerator and freezer have been replaced at that facility? Ms. Green said she did not
know that the Stairmaster at the Hester Center needed repair and will check with staff
and follow up on the repairs.
With regard to the Wilson Center, that facility is in the process of a $20,000 renovation to
the interior which includes tearing down the paneling, repainting the building, replacing
all cabinets, adding more tables and chairs and changing all the appliances in the
kitchen. These funds are included in this year’s budget. Mr. Hawkins indicated today to
Ms. Green that this is a high priority project and Parks and Recreation would be
overseeing the project for Facilities Management. Discussions with Bill DeBeck are
planned to discuss any concerns Facilities may have with the project.
Ms. Green informed the Board that the children are being fed at Wilson Center and the
Wilson Center has been approved for the food program, which means the meals have to
be offered at the Wilson Center according to Federal guidelines. Ms. Green stated that
staff will be ordering the new appliances, under State contract very quickly and this is not
tied in with additional construction. Ms. Green stated that painting would not begin until
September when the summer program is over so that the children will not have to
breathe paint fumes.
Mr. Williams stated that the appliances should have been replaced sooner. Ms. Green
responded that her staff did not request a change of appliances and if a request had
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
been received prior to now, she would have replaced the appliances. Ms. Green said
that the children receive two meals a day, breakfast and lunch.
Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired as to the condition of the roof of the breezeway and if the roof
would keep the rain out? Ms. Green stated that this issue has been discussed with Bill
DeBeck and the enclosed breezeway will be similar to the enclosed lobby area. The
existing roof will remain. Ms. Green was not aware of any water problems and stated the
building has been painted pale yellow with teal accents, which are the standard colors for
the City. Also, Ms. Green stated that the area will be air-conditioned and the current air
conditioning unit can accommodate the ducts to be expanded into the breezeway area.
Also new lighting will be added.
F. CITY STREET BANNERS
(Melody Green)
Ms. Green stated that the new Banners have been ordered and hopefully will arrive
within thirty days.
G. MONTHLY REPORT
Chairman Thomas referred Members to the monthly report that has been provided and
asked if any one had any questions or comments.
H. OTHER
Mr. Fitzpatrick informed the Members that his son was attending the Boat Club Park
Summer Camp and it seems to be well run. The children appeared to be quite happy.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that he met Mr. Mike Smith who has everything under control. Ms.
Green said she will pass this information along to staff and at the same time would like to
express her appreciation to Mike Smith
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. GREENWAYS NETWORK
(Mike Fitzpatrick)
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the Visions 20/20 Anniversary Meeting recently held is lacking
in environmental planning for the City. Mr. Fitzpatrick informed the Board that he has
discussed this issue with the Mayor and that the Mayor is agreeable to putting together
an ad hoc committee to research the issue. The committee could be comprised of
members from the Chamber of Commerce, real estate personnel, City staff, as well as
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
environmental proponents. Further, Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he received positive
responses from Commissioners Denahan and Titcomb. Also Bulent Kastarlak, the
Director of Development for the City, was fairly receptive to the formation of this new
committee. The City is aware that Mr. Fitzpatrick will be bringing the issue up at the next
Commission meeting.
Chairperson Thomas asked if there is a policy in place regarding Greenways, and was
informed there was none at this time. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he has researched the
conservation aspect of the Master Plan and that this issue has not been addressed in
many years. Mr. Fitzpatrick discussed the proposed membership of the ad hoc
committee.
Chairperson Thomas inquired if the Leisure Services Department has any information on
Greenways? Mr. Wildner stated that their department does have some information on
Greenways, and further that he would not be able to provide any immediate information
without performing some research.
Chairperson Thomas inquired if Leisure Services was going to do anything with this
project at any time and Mr. Wildner stated this was not an priority at this time.
Mr. Fitzpatrick said he raised the issue more than three years ago, and that he has
discussed it with previous Commissioners. Mr. Winters suggested that Mr. Fitzpatrick
research some of the questions being raised. Also there is a need to identify a funding
source for this project. Mr. Winters stated he did not feel this should be a priority item.
Mr. Fitzpatrick said that he spoke with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and
she suggested that the ad hoc committee approach be taken. Mr. Fitzpatrick informed
the Board that he has already done a great deal of research, but that it is a hard task for
one person to undertake and needs a commitment from several other persons in the
community. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that he felt a bond issue probably would be necessary
as the funding means, but the Mayor suggested that other methods of funding should be
explored.
Mr. Winters inquired if Mr. Fitzpatrick was going to ask the City Commission at its next
meeting to appoint a Committee? Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he was.
Ms. Green stated that one of the objectives of the City is to improve the greenway of the
City and this request would tie in with this objective. Also, information can be obtained
from the National Recreation and Park Association through Internet, which maintains a
web site that can identify a number of greenway areas, and this could provide assistance
in Mr. Fitzpatrick’s research.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
After discussion, it was determined that this Board make a recommendation to the City
Commission on establishing a Greenways policy for the City, and Mr. Fitzpatrick
presented the following motion for this Board’s consideration:
Motion
That this Board recommend that the Boynton Beach City Commission form an ad hoc
Committee for Greenways. This committee will generate a report concerning the
feasibility of establishing a Greenways Network in Boynton Beach. The committee will, at
the minimum:
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State the purposes and goals of a Greenways Network.
?
Research the State of Florida Greenways plans and determine how the City
of Boynton Beach can complement them.
?
Research how other municipalities have developed Greenways.
?
Project Greenway routes.
?
Address changes in the land use plan.
?
Recommend what types of use would be permitted.
?
List what land is available.
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Estimate the cost of a Greenways Network.
?
Identify funding sources.
Motion seconded by Mr. McMahon.
Chairperson Thomas asked if there was any further discussion before calling for a vote
by the Board?
Mr. Winters stressed that it was important that this committee be formed as
expeditiously as possible so that the committee could become operational by
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September 1. The committee could then meet for the following six months to review
these recommendations.
Motion was unanimously carried.
B. ALL AMERICA CITY 2000: PROJECT TEAM
(Melody Green)
Ms. Green informed the Board that the City of Boynton Beach would be applying for the
All America City Award for the year 2000. The reason for selecting the year 2000 is
because the City believes that by that year there will be a significant number of
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
community involvement accomplishments, including the democratic process of
government in making things better in recreation, parks and leisure services, as well as
all other departments in the City. Ms. Green informed the Board that the City of Delray
Beach applied for the award this year, but did not win. Cities that are selected are cities
that have identified significant problems and challenges and what the community
members and the City itself have done together to make significant improvements.
Wonderful things are already being done in the City. By the year 2000 the Children’s
Museum will be operational, there will be new parks, the downtown area will be
undergoing transition and the high school will also becoming a reality.
Ms. Green stated that volunteers are being recruited to become part of the project team
that will be comprised of a diverse sector of the City’s population.
Chairperson Thomas inquired as to the Gold Medal Award for which the Recreation
Department had applied. Ms. Green stated that the City was not selected as a finalist,
but this was the City’s first try and this is not an uncommon occurrence. The City will
reapply next year. Ms. Green stated that the City is going ahead with its plans to
prepare a video that should be completed by the end of August.
Ms. Green stated that the All America City Awards will be held in Philadelphia next year
and the City is anticipating to attend in order to video tape the Cities that have been
selected. This should assist the City in making its presentation.
Mr. Winters stated he would be glad to participate since he will be in Philadelphia next
year. Also, Ms. Green stated that the All America City Award ties in with the Community
of Promise Program that this City is also undertaking. Mr. Winters indicated he would
be glad to become a member of the project team.
C. SUMMER PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS
(Melody Green)
As of last week, 187 scholarships were available to any child in the community who
receives free or reduced lunch through the Palm Beach County school system.
Additional scholarships were located to accommodate children who are the most needy
in the Community and those additional scholarships are awarded to youth on free
lunches only.
Ms. Green stated that through the CBGD grants an additional 79 slots for camp
scholarships were made available. It was announced at the last Commission meeting
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that the registration period was extended through today (June 22) at 12 noon for any
children who have not registered. Ms. Green said that as of 4:00 p.m. today 50 more
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 22, 1998
applications have been received. There were 29 spaces that were not filled. They can
be filled even on Tuesday, but will not be extended beyond Tuesday, as additional staff
has to be added. Additional children cannot be registered until staff has been hired to
cover the additional children, which in effect would create an unsafe situation for these
additional children without adequate supervision.
Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired as to the ratio of staff to camper. Ms. Green stated it was 25
children to each staff member and in most cases, the City is slightly below that
requirement. Ms. Green stated that meals were furnished at the Wilson Center and are
available to anyone 17 years of age or younger in the Community, not just campers.
These youngsters are provided with a free breakfast and lunch.
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D. JULY 4 BIG BLAST
(Melody Green)
Ms. Green stated that the fireworks would be held as scheduled.
E. G.A.L.A. Strategic Planning Session
(Melody Green)
Mr. Winters inquired when the next planning session is scheduled to be held. Ms.
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Green stated it was July 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the same location.
NEXT MEETING: JULY 27, 1998 AT 7:00 p.m. in Conference
VI.
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Room C
(budget hearings in Commission Chambers July 27 and 28)
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting properly
adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(two tapes)
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